What can I do?
- Tell your child they have a right to be safe. Tell them that nothing bad will happen to them if they tell you that somebody else has made them feel unsafe, even if this is a family member or friend.
- Make sure your child knows that their body is their own. Take a look at the NSPCC’s PANTS rules – these can help you talk to your child about staying safe from sexual abuse.
- Tell them they have the right to say ‘no’ if somebody asks them to do something they’re not comfortable with.
What should others do?
- Your child’s school should tell your child about their right to be safe, and encourage them to speak to a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.
- Clubs in the community should have an up-to-date Safeguarding policy, sometimes called a Child Protection policy. These could be sports clubs, dance clubs, brownies and cubs, faith groups etc.
- If you’re concerned about a child, please get in touch with us, the NSPCC, or your local social services.